from Your front porch to the front page

South County News Logo

Serving Vicksburg, Schoolcraft & Surrounding Areas

Obituaries

by | Mar 4, 2018 | Obituaries, Schoolcraft, Vicksburg

Mary Evelyn Bell, 79, Vicksburg, passed February 19. She is survived by her sons, Thomas (Lisa) Bell of Yardley, Pa., Matthew (Jackie) Bell of Vicksburg, and James Bell of Armada, Mich.; and grandchildren Anthony, Dmitry, Joanna, Katie, Marlena and Zbigniew. She is also survived by siblings Farmer (Linda) Harris, of Canada and Marilyn (Roy) Puckrin, of Canada. She was preceded in death by her husband, Dr. Frank Bell, in 2012; and a brother, Bill Harris. A memorial service was held on Saturday, February 24 at Life Story Funeral Home, Vicksburg. Please visit Mary Evelyn’s webpage at http://www.lifestorynet.com where you can read her life story, sign the guestbook, and share a memory. Those who wish may make a contribution to the Vicksburg Library and Great Lakes Caring Hospice.

John L. Frakes, 62, Vicksburg, passed away February 13. He was born to John C. and Marjorie (Baldwin) Frakes on November 4, 1955. John graduated from Vicksburg High School in 1973 and received a bachelor’s degree from Western Michigan University. Right out of college, he began working for the City of Marshall. From there, John worked for the City of Battle Creek and then for the City of Allentown, Pa. He and his wife, Cyndi, spent seven years living there before moving back to the Vicksburg area in 1988. He was employed as treasurer and assessor for the City of Parchment from 1990 until retirement after 25 years. John’s family includes his wife, Cynthia; children Jonathan (Michele) Frakes, of Portage and Heather Frakes, of New York; grandchildren Gianna, Brighton, Everett, Aneli and Maverick; siblings Barb (Ted) Sanger, of Jackson; Randy (Rick King) Frakes, of Florida; and Karen (Steve) Marshall, of Georgia. The family received friends on February 23. A memorial service was held Saturday, February 24 at Wakeshma Community Church, Fulton. Please visit John’s webpage at http://www.lifestorynet.com where you can sign the guestbook and share a memory. Those who wish may make contributions to the Wakeshma Community Church and Hospice care of Southwest Michigan.

Linda Sue (Bartos) (Clark) Harvey, 73, passed away February 8, in the loving care of her sons in Canton, OH, while she was visiting. She was born on April 2, 1944 to the late Elton J. (Al) and June L. (Adams) Bartos. She grew up in the Vicksburg area, graduating from Vicksburg High School in 1963. In 1968 Linda married Richard Lee Clark, with whom she had two sons. Later, she and her sons joined the family of Wilbur Duane Harvey and his three children when they were married in 1979. They enjoyed many happy years together until Wilbur’s death in 2008. Linda was a kind and loving person, willing to help her friends from the Hearthside II apartments. She always enjoyed playing bingo, cards and walking dogs for her friends. She is survived by her sons, Douglas Alan Clark and Michael Lee Clark, both of Canton, Ohio, step-children Gary (Joanie) Harvey, Danny and Dawn Harvey, all of Kalamazoo, grandchildren Douglas Jr. (Bubba) Clark, Jacob Clark and Kala Clark all of Ohio, great-grandchildren Noah and Amelia Clark of Ohio, sisters Margie (Robert) Goertler and Shirley (Gary) Meyle, nieces Carmon (Bill) Kammerer of South Bend, Ind., Shelly (Shannon) Burnett, Erin (Scott) Brown, and Lahni (Francisco) Tapia all of Kalamazoo, and several step-grandchildren and step great-grandchildren as well as cousins and friends. Donations may go to American Cancer Society or Aultman Hospice.

Dorothy Hastings, 87, Vicksburg, passed away February 8, surrounded by family. Dorothy was born on September 27, 1930 to Levi and Fanny (Johnson) Cox. Dorothy’s family includes her husband of 65 years, Tom; children Tom (Sharon) Hastings Jr., Maggie (Tim) Corbin and Ann (Tom) Hahn; grandchildren Molly and Hannah Blatt and brother Bill Cox of Miami, Fla. She was preceded in death by her parents; son Timothy, who passed away at birth; her sister, Jeannie Ladd, and her nephew, Jerry Lee Annis. Visit Dorothy’s page at lifestorynet.com. Dorothy was a loving, sweet woman. She was devoted to her family who will deeply miss her. A celebration of her life is being planned for this summer.

Charles D. Hord, 92, Schoolcraft and Punta Gorda, Fla., passed away January 26. Chuck was born in Three Rivers, on November 20, 1925, the son of Clyde and Letha Hord. He is survived by his wife of 35 years, Phyllis Hord; sister Arlene Hord Wells and brother-in-law Jan, son Charles D. Hord, Jr. and wife Frenchie, step-children Sue and Rod Eliason, Martha and Patrick Phelps, Bruce and Mickie Sweet, and Craig and Theresa Sweet, several grandchildren, great grandchildren, and a great great grandchild. He was predeceased by his first wife, Ethyl Hord; brother Bill Hord, son Robert Hord and grandson Charles D. Hord III. Chuck served in the United States Army during WWII in the European Theater. He had a 40-year career as a railroad engineer on the New York Central, Pennsylvania Central and finally Conrail lines. He was a member of the Retired Railroaders. Chuck was an active member of the Schoolcraft United Methodist Church and Cleveland United Methodist Church in Florida and an avid golfer and member of the Deep Creek Golf Club. A memorial service will be held in Michigan in the spring. Contributions in his memory may be made to the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) program or a charity of your choosing. We remember Chuck’s famous advice to “keep your head down”, and his work ethic, devotion and love of his family and friends. Visit his page at avinkcremation.com.

(Gerald) Jerry M. Kott, 82, Vicksburg, passed away February 19 at Borgess Hospital. Jerry was born on November 8, 1935 to Harlow and Grace (McNally) Kott. While growing up, Jerry was active in the Boy Scouts, and achieved the highest and most prestigious rank of Eagle Scout. He graduated from Vicksburg High School in 1954. From there, Jerry went on to Western Michigan University. With hard work, he also went on to get his certified life insurance underwriter’s license, which isn’t a license that is easy to get. Jerry was very successful in his career, and after many years he became vice president of Burnham and Flower Insurance Agency. He served as the Vicksburg Rotary Club president in 1976-77. Someone who lived life to the fullest, Jerry was truly one of a kind. He was a jokester with a great sense of humor and a fun-loving personality. Jerry had the amazing ability to get others to believe any story he told, and then in the end he almost always told them it was a joke. A funeral service was held on Monday, February 26 at Life Story Funeral Home in Vicksburg. Jerry is survived by his daughters, Diana (Hal) Blanchard and Ann (Rick) Hughey; a brother, James Kott; grandchildren Erin Courtney, Tiffany (André) Bouvrette, Allen (Dannette) Hughey and Kati (Matthew) Roberts; great grandchildren Rylie, Kamie, Lincoln, Kendall, Marshall and baby Delilah born on Feb. 21. He was preceded in death by his parents and his loving wife of 50 years, Carol. Please visit Jerry’s memory page at http://www.lifestorynet.com where you can read his life story, archive a memory or photo and sign his memory book online. Memorial donations can be made to the Vicksburg Historical Society.

Glen Phillips, 91, Vicksburg, passed away peacefully at home Feb. 14. He is survived by his wife, Connie (Kuivenhoven-Kreider) Phillips; a brother, Max (Stella) Ball; children Sheri (Jerry) VanAvery, Gale (Cindy) Phillips and Sue (Frank) Roberts; stepchildren Terry Kreider, Karen (Bill) Kreider-Sorensen and Kay (Mark Bissot) Kreider. He is also survived by nine grandchildren, two step-grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren and six step great grandchildren, plus many extended families. He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Clarissa (Schmitt) Phillips, a brother and four sisters. A funeral service was held on Monday, Feb. 19 at Life Story Funeral Home, Vicksburg with burial at Mount Ever-Rest. Please visit Glen’s page lifestorynet.com. Donations may go to Hospice Care of SW Michigan, Loaves and Fishes, Boy Scouts of America and Juvenile Diabetes.

Linda Schuring, Vicksburg, passed away at home February 15. She was born to Daniel and Ramona (Murray) Moyle on July 20, 1942. She graduated from Mattawan High School in 1960. On Jan. 22, 1972, she married Jerry Schuring, who adopted her three children. She and Jerry were blessed with one son, J.J. In 1990, they established J.L. Milling Inc. together. She was an amazing cook who specialized in making olie cookins, which are a Dutch treat. Linda’s family includes her husband, Jerry; children Tim (Karen Furlong), Mike (Tracey), J. J. (Tracey DeVaney); grandchildren Sarah (Andy), Samantha (Adam), Timmy (Jessica), Shannon, Megan (Phil), Cassondra, Mikey, Shianne, Kody Bishop and Kaley Bishop; great grandchildren Tatum, Cohen, Peyton, Brooke, Alaina, Bentley, Emma S., Emma H., Ella, Delaney, Tensleey, Kimber, Jayce; brothers Danny (Barb) Moyle, David Moyle, Dicky (Sharon) Moyle; and her brother in law, Don Boven, as well as several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by parents, step-father Giles Wright; son Johnny; sister Mary Kay Boven. Visit Linda’s page at lifestorynet.com. Donations may go to Mattawan Area Pantry or Animal Rescue Project.

Alasdair Matthew Shaw, Vicksburg, passed away at 4:38 in the morning of February 3. At 7 pounds 11.8 ounces, 20 ½ inches, Alasdair came into this world as a stillbirth. “Though we may never know why or what wrong, we will love you forever. This very short time is precious. Maybe something could’ve been avoided? Maybe it was just meant to be. Your mother and I may never get to see you grow, drop you off at school, watch your high school baseball games, but that will never change how much either of us love you. I wish we had answers, I wish we knew why. Watch over your mother, watch over your brothers. Your daddy loves you.” Alasdair means defender of mankind, a suitable name for God’s newest angel. Alasdair is survived by his two brothers, Aiden and Asher, as well as his parents, Grace and Alex. Visit Alasdair’s page at lifestorynet.com.

Carolyn Lee Wise, 69, Scotts, passed away on February 21 at the Laurels in Galesburg. Carolyn was born March 4, 1948 to George and Caroll (Keller) Wise. Carolyn is survived by her mother, Caroll; her brother Richard (Carolyn Sue) Wise; one nephew Scott (Jill) Wise; nieces Shellie (Bill) Gibson and Alisha Wise; great nieces Grace Gibson, Emma Gibson and Allison Wise and great nephew Gavin Wise. Carolyn was preceded in death by her father, George. Carolyn worked many years for Dairy Herd Improvement Association. She grew up active in 4H and was involved in the Kalamazoo County Fair. Carolyn lived for her family that will deeply miss her. Visit Carolyn’s page at lifestorynet.com.

Winter Homecoming Court

by | Mar 4, 2018 | Community, Schoolcraft, Schools, Vicksburg

The winter homecoming courts were recently selected at Schoolcraft and Vicksburg high schools.

Schoolcraft Girls Basketball Undefeated in Regular Season

Schoolcraft Girls Basketball Undefeated in Regular Season

by | Mar 4, 2018 | Schoolcraft, Sports

By Sue Moore

The elephant in the room for Schoolcraft’s girls’ basketball team is its undefeated season: 19-0. “We don’t look past the next game but we did have to talk about it recently,” Coach Steve Kulczyk said. “We try to discuss everything and talk it out so we can have a drama-free gym. Ours is a family environment.”

The team stepped up to the challenge and defeated Constantine 67 to 31 in its last regular season game. It was senior night and Homecoming all in one big event; that can be a distraction. Fortunately, the team came through with a big effort. Lydia Goble had 16 points, Kennedy Leighton 9 points to lead the way.

“In the beginning of the year, seniors Goble, Leighton and Gabi Saxman were key to our success as they had the most varsity experience,” Kulczyk said. “But they realized early on they needed the youngsters to step up and play a bigger part to take us all the way to an undefeated season. The seniors gave us great leadership while Rosey and Schuppel and the others were coming along.”

The Eagles begin District play on their home court with a bye in the opening round and will play the winner of the Marcellus-Decatur match on Wednesday, February 28. District tournament play is always hazardous because some of the teams with modest records have nothing to lose and will play all out to get a win, Kulczyk said.

“Our team has a lot of heart. They defend the perimeter really well and play hard all 32 minutes, usually wearing our opponent down,” Kulczyk said. He has been coaching in Schoolcraft since the 1991-92 season, six of those years with the varsity girls team. He teaches physical education in the Schoolcraft elementary and middle school.

Schoolcraft Wrestling Sends Five to State Competition

by | Mar 4, 2018 | Schoolcraft, Sports

By Sue Moore

Schoolcraft’s wrestling team is sending five members to state competition in March. The team won the district championship but lost a tough match in the regionals to Lakewood Odessa. “I’m pleased with the progress the team has made through this year. They are young and inexperienced, but we’ve played a tough schedule to better prepare them for tournament competition,” Coach Rob Ling said.

The five who will compete at the highest level are Caden Sukich, sophomore at 103 lbs.; Gary Cramer, freshman at 125; Brady Gillaspie, junior at 130; Devin O’Bryant, senior at 215 and River Fox, junior at 285. “They all have a good shot at placing. Fox has been to state before and is a veteran at tournament competition, as are the others because of our tournament schedule this year.”

Ling said he can look forward to next year with the freshmen on the team that have blossomed and the eighth graders who are coming up from having a good year on the mats at their level.

Schoolcraft Boys Basketball Builds Momentum

by | Mar 4, 2018 | Schoolcraft, Sports

sc boys 1

Jakob Huyskens goes up for a rebound in their game with Constantine in February.

By Sue Moore

Consistency has been the watchword for the Schoolcraft boys’ basketball team during its 2017-18 season according to Coach Randy Small. “We need it offensively in shooting the ball better and then on defense we don’t get a stop when we really need it.”

The team is 12-5 for the year and 7-4 in the conference having lost to arch rivals Kalamazoo Christian and Hackett. They gained the much-needed consistency with a big win over Constantine in the next to last game of the regular season by a score of 68 to 41.

“We had intensity and consistency tonight,” said Coach Small. “I was really pleased with our effort. Now we head into district play feeling better.”

“We showed lots of good signs of consistency against Watervliet with a 41-17 first quarter but got outscored in the second period way too much.” Schoolcraft hosts the district playoffs beginning the last week of February.

Kobe Clark, the sophomore point guard, has a 13-point scoring average for the season and plays hard. “He’s learning to be the floor general and has a good work ethic while still working on his consistency,” Small said.

Trent Lomason has been averaging 10 points per game, Jakob Huysken eight, Bryce VanderWiere nine points and eight rebounds per game. Riley Piper has been solid each outing. Lomason hit huge threes against Constantine as he was zeroed in from beyond the arc.

Schoolcraft Master Plan Set for Public Input

by | Mar 2, 2018 | Government, Schoolcraft

schoolcraft planning comm

Representatives of Wightman & Associates help the Schoolcraft Planning Commission work through their goals and objections for the future Master Plan for the village. They are from left: Natalie Dean, Jorden Parker and Ben Baker who works primarily with the parks and recreation portion of the plan.

By Sue Moore

Setting Schoolcraft’s goals, objectives and strategies five years into the future demands a crystal ball at best. The village’s Planning Commission took the task to heart at its February meeting, recommending a plan for consideration by the village Council in time for its own February session.

The Council followed with a plan to seek public comments through April and possible adoption in May.

It was easy to agree on goal number one: Eliminate the center turn lane on U.S. 131 through downtown and replace it with a landscaped median within a year. “This could be a more attainable first goal than some of the others that follow,” Jorden Parker, the consultant from Wightman Associates, explained. He and Natalie Dean from Wightman helped to draft the plan that would be suitable for submission to the state of Michigan as required every five years.

The change would require approval from the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT). Goal number five dovetailed with the median changes. It stipulates that the village work with MDOT to improve safety along the corridor with pedestrian crossing lights and reducing vehicle turning movements on the street. “This is a safety issue that is critical to our future; why not put it as goal number two?” asked Trustee Sue Hendriksma. Discussion followed: whether to accomplish those changes all at once or work with MDOT on a step-by-step basis.

Goal number two: Provide sewers for all village residents and business owners within five years. This was modified at the request of Trustee Wes Schmitt. “We should avoid controversy right off the top of this plan, unless we can get 90 percent state and federal funding for sewers. I’m not willing to back-door this to our citizens. I would hope that people don’t overreact; the funding is the big requirement,” Schmitt said.

Mae Pfost, newly appointed chair of the Planning Commission, said the village needs to get in line right away with a new infrastructure plan just presented by the Trump administration. “Our 100-year-old water pipes could be replaced. There will be money there because the state is looking for Great Lakes funding too.”

Goal number three: Work with the schools in the next three years to acquire ownership of the existing sports fields east of the railroad and market the site to single family developers. This requires a funding strategy to acquire land and develop a partnership with the school to market the land.

Goal number four: Develop an accessible trail along the north-south rail line through Schoolcraft to Portage in the next three years, then continue the trail from Schoolcraft to Three Rivers. It was agreed that this is a priority but should move down in the ranking because of the long time needed to see success. It placed high on preferences at public meetings held in 2017.

Goal number six: Create a mixed-use development zone and rezone an area to accommodate a mix of commercial development and townhouses or duplex units.

The document lays out the next six goals which largely speak to how zoning changes could work to achieve the goals. Parker told the planning commission members that they can’t do all of this themselves. “They should find the champion for each goal and let that person take the reins.”

A parks and recreation plan, also discussed, will be recommended to the Village Council on a different timeline.

A week after the planning commission’s meeting, the Council approved seeking public comment on the Master Plan until April 30. It scheduled a May 14 public hearing with a goal of final adoption at the May 21 council meeting.